recently purchased an encap which only has thru holes, but see some endcaps have threaded holes. is there a benefit/risk to using threaded holes ? I am thinking of making my own at some stage to meet wishful thinking and would like to understand if i should tap or if no benefit.
thanks
Martin
Hi @MartinFriede -
The endcaps with M10 threaded holes are like that to accommodate tighter spacing of the penetrators. This lets the BlueROV2 4" endcap fit more connections! Generally, I prefer a nut inside to prevent things from loosening up, but you can also tap the M10 holes with a 7/16" tap, which is a common thread size for subcon style bulkhaed connections (fine thread typically, not coarse.)
Thanks - very clear.
Note that our aluminium end caps are anodised, and tapping them would cut through the anodisation layer. Depending on what you’re installing in the threaded hole, that could lead to corrosion issues (e.g. if there’s contact between dissimilar metals).
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thanks Tony. if I use aluminum bolts will that be OK (and do i need to ensure the same aluminum ‘type’ eg manganese content ). I think re-anodising would be within my capacity if required.
Hi @MartinFriede -
Aluminum bolts should be much more “OK” than stainless steel ones, but as they are soft it’s important to not over-torque and break their heads off!
Having a Zinc in the circuit would help the most!
There is a a guide on this topic.